Important Info: Muir Valley

[weber]

Although still early in the season, we are seeing a fairly large number of climbers visiting the Valley.

If you plan on climbing in Muir in the near future PLEASE read these few important reminders and UPDATES (!):

1. Please read the guidelines posted on muirvalley.com. They are for your enlightenment and safety.
2. The road back to the top parking lot (off KY 2016) is in fair shape. This is the ONLY official entrance to the Valley.
3. The gate is still locked. The combination is -- right to 13. Back left past (!) 13 to 3. Right to 37. THEN, push the button to open the lock. Why give the combo out in a public forum? The gate is only a deterrent, not a high security barrier. Hopefully, not too many local bandits read this forum. If you forget the combo, it is posted on the kiosk at the parking lot.
4. Please DO NOT drive down the steep road from KY 715 to the valley bottom! Only a few climbers with special access needs have been granted permission to do so. This road is in very rough, dangerous condition, inlcluding a hidden 4-foot deep sink hole. If you do not have the Webers' permission to drive down there and do so anyway, you may lose your right to climb in the Valley. We are not responsible for any damage that occurs to your vehicles. Again, please access Muir Valley from KY 2016 and park in the main parking lot.
5. Adjacent to the main parking lot, we are building a large barn to house maintenance equipment for the Valley. Please do not park near this building or materials while it is under construction.
6. Please do NOT drive past the right turn-off into the parking lot. There is a new level foot trail from the parking lot that will take you directly over to the old logging trail and on down to the Valley bottom. The parking area at the end of the road was only temporary and is NOT on Muir property. It is now CLOSED, as is the road past the right turnoff into the parking lot. The parking lot is in the process of being expanded and graveled as weather permits. When finished, it should accommodate about 28 cars.

And, please, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to PM or email us.

Rick and Liz Weber

[Huggybone]

Hey rick- I'm a little confused by your directions: I take it that you mean we should park at the fancy gravel parking lot? (not the one most people parked at this summer)

I'm confused because I don't remember the layout of the roads.

[squeezindlemmon]

Huggy, park at the first right turn after you enter the gate to Muir Valley. For those of you who were there for the Gathering, this is where we had the assembly tent set-up. This parking lot is also where the kiosk is located and is the main trailhead to Joe Ponder/Rebel Branch Hollow. Everyone should park here.

The other parking lot - which is now CLOSED - is the one located at the trailhead to Tantroft Hollow (the one that has the steep hike on a logging road). Although the lot is closed for parking, this trail/logging road is still accessible by foot through the only parking lot in Muir Valley (see above paragraph).

Here's a map of the area:
http://www.muirvalley.com/maps/MuirValleyTopo2H.pdf

[weber]

Thanks Karla.

Rick